Types of Accommodations

Testing Accommodations are designed to provide students with disabilities an equal opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned when taking exams and quizzes. The Testing Center also supports testing-related accommodations. 

Examples (non-exhaustive list)

• Additional Time to Complete Tests
• Distraction-Reduced Setting
• Text-to-Speech on Exams
• Dictation on Exams

Some disabilities impact students' notetaking. Notetaking accommodations are designed to support students in taking and creating meaningful notes.  Examples of note-taking accommodations include: the ability to use technology (e.g., computer) to take notes in class, access to Glean software, and additional options that can be discussed with your Accommodation Specialist.

Alternate Format Text is the conversion of printed materials (textbooks, articles provided by instructors, etc.) to accessible formats. Students with a wide variety of disabilities may use Alternate Format Text. Most students with Alternate Format accommodations use pdfs that can be read via text-to-speech software; however, this accommodation also covers braille and tactile graphic materials. 

Adjusted assignment deadlines and adjusted attendance accommodations support students who have disabilities that impact their attendance and/or ability to complete assignments by the assigned dates. 

Communications access supports students who utilize interpreting, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), and captioning. 

Students may have a disability that creates a substantial barrier to becoming proficient in a second language. The Foreign Language Substitution accommodation is designed to enhance cultural competence crucial in our globalized world in lieu of a foreign language. Students in certain programs may have to complete additional coursework associated with the FOLA substitution.

The University of Denver is striving to make the campus accessible to persons with disabilities. All new construction and major renovations comply with federal accessibility standards. Since some classrooms on the DU campus are not readily accessible to persons with disabilities, classes and programs may occasionally need to be relocated to accessible locations. The University will relocate classes and other University-sponsored programs to ensure that students with mobility loss have access. Departments are highly encouraged to consider accessibility when planning programs.

Classroom Assistants

The University provides academic assistants for classroom and lab work to students whose documented disabilities demonstrate an appropriate need. Classroom assistants are not tutors and will not be available outside of the classroom or lab unless prior arrangements with SDS are made. 

Personal Attendants

Students with disabilities requiring a personal attendant should notify SDS, who will then notify instructors. The University may require medical documentation of the need for an attendant. Personal attendants are not employees of the University but are employed by the student. The attendant must go through the SDS process to register as a Special Community Member at DU before they start providing direct personal support to the student.

A service animal refers to any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.